Maggie was born in Palmdale on May 24, 1937 to Justus and Florence Pickelheimer. In her childhood, she lived in Harbor Hills and Lancaster, finally moving to live on base NOTS China Lake in 1948. She was known as being very outgoing, friendly, and always looking out for anyone who was an underdog. After graduating Burroughs High School in 1955, she met and married Buford “Tex” Milson, moving to Texas. She moved back to California after the death of her husband in 1956, while they were expecting their first child Buford.

In 1958, Maggie met Dan Branson. They fell in love and married on November 22, 1958. They became a family of five, with Dan’s two small boys Don and David, and Maggie’s son Buford. In 1959, Maggie gave birth to Bob, and in 1965, John. During the early years of the boys growing up, Maggie was heavily involved in their baseball activities, planning family camp outs, and annual family Easter gatherings.

As the boys got older, Maggie went to work first for Murray Middle School, and then for Comarco as a contractor for 14 years, as a data processor. After work, she was very dedicated to her sorority Beta Sigma Phi as a member for 46 years, holding many officer positions, helping with fundraising, and their popular dinner dances. Maggie was also a member of the local hospital volunteer group The Pink Ladies Society and the base WACOM charity organization for the last 8 years. Sharing the family love of bowling, she was also an active member of the IWV Bowling League for over 40 years.

Maggie was a loving wife and mother, and was always singing the praises of her family. She is survived by her four sons – Don, David, Bob, and John, daughters-in-law Diane, Freida, and Melanie, 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, mother Florence Pickelheimer, sister Theora Thompson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Justus, husband Dan, and son Buford.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 2 at 11 a.m. at Grace Point Church at 443 Inyokern Rd.